Art therapy, when facilitated by an art therapist, can be defined as the use of art and the creative process to promote healing. Art in this sense addresses the physical, emotional, as well as spiritual needs that accompany a cancer diagnosis.
For many people living with cancer, art therapy may be helpful in many ways. In addition to providing a relaxing escape from treatment, anxiety and fear for the future, painting or drawing may help you understand the difficult emotions that go along with a cancer diagnosis. It may also provide an opportunity for your loved ones to better understand your experience and help give you the support and comfort you need. It may even allow you to express emotions that you weren’t already aware of.
Through the process of viewing and creating images with art therapy, patients are able to see the benefits such as:
• Improve quality of life
• Express fears, anxieties and other emotions that are often difficult to portray in words
• Understand the ongoing process of personal growth and transformation
• Find new insight about cancer experiences
• Communicate and interact more effectively with others
• Reduce stress
• Connect with others in treatment and recovery
In honor of Cancer Survivor Awareness Month, McLaren Port Huron is offering a special virtual art therapy session for cancer survivors and those who are currently undergoing cancer treatment on Wednesday, June 23 at 2 p.m. Participants will work with registered art therapist Sara Sharp, M.Ed., ATR, to find ways to express their experiences through art. You don’t have to be an artist or even like art to benefit. The only requirement is an open mind and willingness to create.
In preparation for this session, please pick one color you love and gather art materials (paint, crayons, colored pencils, markers or pens) and other items (paper, magazine pictures, fabric, beads, old greeting card, photographs, yarn, ribbon, etc.) in this color. Then join Sara for a virtual art therapy session, learn a little about art therapy and partake in a fun art therapy project that demonstrates how to use color to boost your mood.
If you need help gathering your materials for this task please email Sara at ssharp@marwoodmanor.org no later than June 14 and she will help put together a kit of your chosen color.
To register for this free program, click here.